LAS VEGAS • VOL XXXVII • NO. 1 • EVEN
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
Contents
16 - 28 Destructive Fire: Before And After Oyster Bay – A Casual, Comfortable... Beautify Your Home On A Budget Reinvent Your Interior... Marchella Carsona Collection... Simplify, Organize, And Enjoy Your Home To Its Full Potential The Treatment That Your Windows Deserve Wonderful Wool By Karastan
30 Protecting Your Property Value
32 Working With An Established Architect
34 Endless Possibilities For Your Bathroom
36 - 48 LifeRoom® – Technology That... What You Should Know Before... Your Garage Is Another Room... The Inside Scoop To Building A Swimming Pool High-Quality Custom Rolling Shutters... Bring Beauty To The Desert With A... Superior Ultrex® Fiberglass Makes Window Replacement A Breeze Pebble Flex – A Must-Have Surface For Your Pool Deck Add Gorgeous Water Features To...
49 Making the World A Better Place – Sharing One Story At A Time
ON THE COVER Like the gorgeous outdoor space featured on the cover, wouldn’t it be nice to have a yard that you thoroughly enjoyed and wanted to show off to family and friends? The collaboration of both pool and landscaping adds an extra dimension to your yard that maximizes function and visual appeal while increasing the value of your home. Courtney Landscape & Pools can provide you with all of your outdoor needs—including landscape construction, pool construction, pool remodel, landscape maintenance, pool maintenance and even holiday and event lighting. Crystal Tech pool plaster was developed exclusively for Courtney Landscape & Pools, and is made in the U.S.A. You can call them at 702-435-5799 or visit www.colapool.com. See their ad on page 5 and article on page 38. Lic.#: C-10 55372 Bid limit $80,000.00, A-10 E #79298 Bid limit $80,000.00, C-5 #79298 Bid limit $45,000.00, C-18 #79297 Bid limit $25,000.00. Photo by Emily Zook
PUBLISHER WALLY HICKS III PRODUCTION MANAGERS DAWN DOWLATSHAHI, DAVID MARCHAND WRITER/COPY EDITOR CAITLIN FEENER V. P. MARKETING DEBORAH MESNA MARKETING SPECIALISTS GLENDA BAYLY, JENNIFER BURKE, DEBBIE TARNOFF PUBLISHER’S REPRESENTATIVES MARKET LINK ACCOUNTING MAI HUONG THI LE ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATORS SARAH CARLISLE Advertising Mailing Address Affluent Target Marketing, Inc. P.O. Box 18507 Anaheim Hills, California 92817-8507 (714) 446-6280 • FAX (714) 446-6294 (888) 612-7400 www.lvlivingmagazine.com For comments to the publisher: ocpub@affliving.com The opinions expressed in the editorials are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Las Vegas Living. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, we cannot supervise the way in which information found in Las Vegas Living is used. Las Vegas Living is produced bi-monthly by Affluent Target Marketing, Inc., P.O. Box 18507, Anaheim Hills, California 92817-8507. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. All submitted materials, including images, logos, and text, for advertisements and editorials are assumed to be the property of the provider, and Af flu ent Target Marketing, Inc. can take no responsibility for unintentional copyright infringement. Affluent Target Marketing, Inc. has the right to refuse advertising. Circulation Verified by U.S. postal receipts.
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homefashion
Destructive Fire: BEFORE AND AFTER by Victoria Rothermel
his is the story of a custom home that was destroyed by a fire, and rose again from the ashes. Victoria Rothermel, Interior Designer, was privileged to be instrumental in restoring this beautiful custom home to a luxurious state with modern construction technologies; technologies that made the home more energy efficient and comfortable. The home was completely destroyed with all the owners’ possessions that had been accumulated over a lifetime of their world travel. The fire, spreading through the attic, destroyed the home in a matter of hours. The owners had to evacuate with only the clothes on their backs—they didn’t even have a toothbrush. The owners had settled into retirement with the dream of enjoying their home. A little positive attitude and encouragement was necessary to help the owners weather the emotional upheaval. Utilizing knowledge and design foresight, Victoria showed the owners the beautiful possibilities in a new and fresh home. Some damaged items that were salvageable were incorporated into the new design, replicating the Mediterranean architecture. Art renderings and full color boards that displayed the textures of stone, tile, flooring, and paint colors made it easy for the owners to visualize the completed home. The goal was achieved to give the owners a restored comfortable home that they were very proud of. All design plans were coordinated with the builder in order to make sure that the rebuilt home would be of the highest quality. The owners were given the ability to “start over” with encouragement and positivity. The stress was removed from the selection of appliances, paint colors, flooring, draperies, furniture, plumbing, and electrical fixtures. These selections can be daunting and confusing without the help of a professional. New design features were added within the basic footprint of the home. The owners especially loved the new sound-
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proof theater with the large screen, the new swim spa sunroom, and the beamed ceiling in the kitchen and family room. For more information or to schedule a consultation, you can call Victoria’s Creative Designs at 702-380-6957. You can visit them at 5525 S. Valley View Blvd., Suite #8 in Las Vegas, or visit their website at www.victoriascreativedesigns.com.
Dining Room Before
Dining Room After
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homefashion
OYSTER BAY—
A Casual, Comfortable, and Understated Way to Live Luxuriously
F
rom traditional to contemporary, Lexington Home Brands loves the opportunity to showcase the most fashionable designs in home furnishings from their award-winning product development team, and is known for styling innovation across an amazing range of looks. Lexington believes in lifestyle presentation, therefore each collection includes designs for every room, including custom upholstery. At Lexington, their passion lies in creating an environment in your home that beautifully reflects your personal style. Today’s casual transitional styling blends lighter wood tones, natural textures, and relaxed shades of ivory, taupe, and gray, with designs that embody a feeling of laid-back sophistication. Oyster Bay by Lexington offers a casual, comfortable, and understated interpretation of luxe living. Designs feature an eclectic mix of traditional elements such as button-tufting, breakfront profiles, and turned legs with more transitional features, such as geometric metal bases, burnished stainless steel tops, and natural materials such as rush seats and water hyacinth frames. Pulling the look together is a sophisticated oyster finish over the graceful lines of quartered mahogany, lightly distressed, with custom hardware in an antique pewter finish. Getting away will always have its place, but nothing feels as good as returning to the comforts of home. In the bedroom, Oyster Bay offers soft color tones and elegant button tufting, while the luxurious layering of textures and leather complement the oyster
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finish on quartered mahogany veneers, infusing a fresh updated look to traditional design elements. While in the dining room, Oyster Bay recognizes that entertaining on a grand scale calls for ample seating with exceptional comfort. For more information on Oyster Bay by Lexington Home Brands and other manufacturers, you can contact Nest Featherings at 702-362-6707. You can visit them at 6425 W. Sahara Ave. in Las Vegas, or see their website at www.nestfeatherings.com. See their ad on the back cover.
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homefashion
shelves and mantles. Additionally, you may decide that crown moulding or new baseboards are needed. Professionals can create the look you want at a budget friendly price.
T
here’s no shortage of great ideas of how to update and beautify your home.
What usually stops most homeowners is deciding which project to start first and the unknown budget costs for the project. As for which project to start first, Woodstock Architectural Products owner Kevin Fults suggests that you begin with any basic home repairs, then move on to the home beautification project that inspires you the most. There are many different types of custom products that can have a dramatic impact on your home’s interior. One of those products is a custom barn wood wall from Woodstock. Available in shades of red, brown, grey, white and black. This kiln dried antique lumber makes an incredible backdrop for nearly any accent wall in your home. This lumber is also ideal for building custom interior barn wood doors, complete with sliding hardware.
The professionals at Woodstock Architectural Products are experts and here to assist you with your next home improvement project. With over 100 flooring choices, Woodstock offers a wide selection of engineered flooring at competitive pricing, as well as over 3,000 custom moulding knives to meet your style demands. After visiting the Woodstock showroom, you will receive a quote for your project and if you need installation, they can refer you to a qualified install professional. If you can dream it, Woodstock Architectural Products can help you build it. You can call (702)577-0616 to schedule an appointment, or visit www.WoodstockAP.com.
If your home is in need of more organization, a full service mill, like Woodstock, can build cabinets, closets and custom wall units, and can assist you with a customized design. Replacing old carpet with wood or vinyl plank flooring also makes a dramatic statement for your home. Another option for updating your home is to add a hand-hewn mantle, or ceiling beams. Beams come in various lengths and widths and can be left rustic or sanded smooth for a more contemporary look. Wood slab options can include oak, walnut, or cherry—perfect for
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homefashion
w
Reinvent Your Interior with A Fireplace Makeover
hen was the last time you gave your fireplace some quality attention? Many homeowners tend to accept an old, boring fireplace mantel as something they must settle with, and sometimes, they don’t even really seem to notice that area of the home. The truth is that a fireplace has so much design potential. From gathering around the fire with friends to keeping warm and spending time with family, the time has come to create an ambiance that you can truly enjoy and appreciate. Adding an architectural element to a room can bring new life to an environment, and the fireplace is the perfect place to start. Fireplace mantels and shelves make for an elegant focal point that cannot be matched— you won’t believe the drastic transformation that just one small upgrade can provide for your living space. Mantel shelves are a convenient opportunity to accentuate and beautify your home. They can be used in a variety of different ways as a traditional fireplace mantel, vase or artwork support, bookshelves, and more. You can choose from a prefinished selection of colors, or an unfinished selection that you can paint or stain yourself. Constructed using solid red oak and poplar, or a more economical version constructed of medium density fiberboard (MDF), shelves are flush mount and can be easily painted, stained, or faux finished for a flawless match with your home’s décor. Whatever your preference is, from rustic to modern, or a more traditional mantel style, gorgeous mantels can reflect the exact look you desire. Everyone will enjoy the warmth and elegance of your upgraded fireplace. Your living space will have a new focal point where friends and family can gather in comfort. When shopping for a new mantel, one of the greatest assets you can come across is a company that has an array of fireplace mantels and shelves on display in their showroom for you to browse. This allows you to see how things
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will look and make an educated decision on what would look best in your unique home. Superior Moulding in Las Vegas not only has a showroom featuring a variety of fireplace mantels for you to experience, but they also offer very quick lead times and no charge for freight. Along with mantels, their showroom has a huge inventory of mouldings, hardwood and laminate flooring, cabinet hardware (knobs and pulls), wine racks, doors, door hardware, fireplace mantels, and more. For the last 17 years, Superior Moulding has been your onestop-shop to personalizing both homes and businesses and they take exceptional pride in their competitive pricing. For more information, you can call them at 702-425-5515 or visit www.SuperiorBP.net.
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homefashion
Marchella Carsona Collection:
HIGH-END TRADITIONAL LOOK AT AFFORDABLE PRICING
D
iscover elegance in a whole new way with the Marchella Carsona furniture collection. The lush texture and movement that embodies each piece makes Marchella Carsona a collection that is suitable for a king or a queen. Beautiful and baroque in style, Marchella Carsona can add sophistication to your interior. Crafted with exquisite attention to detail, each piece is rich and has the potential to drastically transform a room with its bold presence. Intricate and elaborate decorations and patterns are balanced with curvaceous legs and frames, and a royal mix of deep dark woods with gold hardware and artistic accents makes this robust collection a one-of-a-kind addition to your home. Marchella Carsona offers furniture for the dining room, living room, and bedroom. Your home will feel more like a palace once you have incorporated this tasteful and romantic collection into your living space. To see more from this collection, and other fine furniture manufacturers, you can call or visit Furniture Royal at 2000 S. Rainbow Blvd. in Las Vegas. 702-253-0600. You can also see their ad on page 3 of this issue.
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homefashion
Simplify, Organize, and Enjoy Your Home
To Its Full Potential
hat if you could live in an environment where you never felt weighed down by clutter? Imagine sitting down to work in your organized home office that promotes concentration because you aren’t distracted by piles of paper. Or walking into a perfectly neat closet where all of your clothing and shoes are displayed exactly how you’ve always envisioned. Achieving this organized lifestyle is easier than you might think. Highquality custom storage solutions for your closets, pantry, laundry room, garage, home office, entertainment center, and any unique space that you might have, can simplify your life while offering versatility, quality, and style.
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Professional design consultants will create a custom space that fits your unique style, budget, and organizational needs. The time has come to make your life easier so that you can finally relax and enjoy the transition to a more manageable life. Great Spaces provides home organization solutions in Las Vegas and is an exclusive dealer of Organizers Direct products. The professionals at Great Spaces work closely with Organizers Direct to ensure that customers receive the highest quality products and design solutions at the best possible price. For more information, you can call them at 702-374-6400, email Melanie@GreatSpacesForPlaces.com, or visit their website at www.GreatSpacesForPlaces.com.
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homefashion The Treatment That Your
WINDOWS DESERVE
ustom window treatments don’t end with the way they look, they begin with the way they function—and shutters allow function to meet form by offering homeowners the ability to keep their home beautiful while controlling the light that surrounds them. The first thing to think about with shutters is the material that they are crafted from. There are many inexpensive shutters that look fairly nice when new—however, there is a good chance that they will begin to sag, warp, discolor, or fall apart with time. Remember—higher quality shutters are simply built to a higher standard. A synthetic product called Polywood® is by far the best material for shutters—even better than wood. The ultimate choice for beauty and durability, Polywood gives you the rich look of wood shutters without the inherent problems that come along with wood, such as sagging, warping, fading, or cracking. Polywood is a solid material that is moisture-and fire-resistant, impervious to termites, UL-tested, and UV-stabilized to avoid discoloration. Many companies call every non-wood shutter a “poly” shutter. But be careful of shutters that are not genuine Polywood as the quality may be inferior.
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One of the greatest benefits when buying shutters is working with a company who does everything for you, including the manufacturing. The quality of the product, follow up, warranty, craftsmanship, and installation are all factors that are dependant on the quality of the company that you choose. When a company actually builds and installs their own product, you are guaranteed accurate answers, timely responses, and prices that can’t be beat. With 38 years in the business, Sunburst Shutters & Window Fashions offers superior products and services, and will see through your entire project. Sunburst is the creator of Polywood Shutters and the only place in Las Vegas you can purchase it. Not just limited to shutters, Sunburst can help you find the perfect solution to your window covering needs, including shades, blinds, window film, and more. You can call Sunburst Shutters at 702-367-1600 or visit their website at www.SunburstShutters.com for more information.
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 • LAS VEGAS LIVING
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homefashion
M
other Nature created every wool fiber with made-to-last features. Wool is easy to clean, non-allergenic, strong and durable, crush resistant, inherently fire-safe, resistant to static, comfortable and extremely environmentally friendly. In fact, wool carpeting by Karastan® is one of the most environmentally friendly products that can be used in a consumer’s home. Karastan wools are as durable as they are beautiful. Wool is a natural, renewable and recyclable resource that helps maintain the environment for future generations. Karastan chooses to make their carpets from New Zealand wool because it is clean and sustainable. Karastan wool styles provide superior performance, creating a healthy environment for families. Karastan wools are also Clean Air Certified, meaning they have passed rigorous certification testing to meet the strict standards for VOC (volatile organic compounds) emissions. These tests even go a step further—proving that Karastan wools actively remove contaminants from the indoor air, thus making breathing areas safer and healthier. For more information about Karastan products and finding your perfect flooring solution, Cloud Carpet One can help. Cloud Carpet One has a professionally trained sales team with design center experience. They offer free in-home estimates as well as consultation. You can visit them at 6555 S. Valley View Boulevard in Las Vegas. You can also call them at 702-487-7798 and see their ad on page 26. NV Lic. #38642, 36222, and 36223.
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homeproducts/services
N
ow that summer is over, trimming your hardwood trees becomes a priority for keeping up on your property. During these cooler months, hardwood trees are not as susceptible to heat damage. Trees go into a dormant period, which is much like hibernation. Because of this, the photosynthesis process that aids the trees is slowed. Pruning can be done with a lower risk to the tree’s health. Trees are valuable assets for any landscape. Pruning trees is serious business, and an unprofessional service may remove too many branches and can harm the trees. Hiring a professional is important for your property’s value. Pruning follows a series of steps, which include: removing undesirable branches, removing crossing or rubbing branches, thinning the canopy, looking for insect problems, and looking for signs of disease. If insect problems or signs of disease are present, plant health care technicians assess the situation and take further action to help the affected trees. Trees also lend a hand to another pest control issue. Rodents such as rats and mice will climb trees to gain access to homes, seeking a warmer climate to raise their families. Roof rats can gain access to the roof from climbing these trees. Small mice can even enter a structure through a hole as small as a dime. Rodents can be a problem you want to solve quickly. Licensed pest control professionals can help prevent and manage various types of pest control issues. Choosing a professional company can be a daunting task. Some homeowners are left wondering if there is any way to simply hire one company to manage all of their needs in tree care, plant health care, and pest control. Thankfully, the Las Vegas area has a solution. Select Services provides pest control, plant health care, and tree care services from licensed and certified professionals. Select Services is one of the only local companies to hold all of the licenses necessary to treat any pest, including licenses for aquatic pest control and fumigation. John Ruiz, an ISA certified arborist, leads the team of tree care professionals. Choosing Select Services for your tree care, plant health care, and pest control will ensure that your home and property are well taken care of. Select Services is located in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can contact Select Services by visiting www.selectservices.vegas, e-mailing office@selectservices.vegas, or calling either (702) 479-3019 or (702) 566-BUGS.
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architecture
Working with an ESTABLISHED ARCHITECT hen it comes to an architect, what could possibly be more valuable than creativity, skill, and technology? The truth is that experience can be the one factor that takes an architect to a whole new level. And when you can find a professional that has all of the above criteria, you and your project will be in very good hands. Richard Luke has been at the forefront of design in the Las Vegas Valley for the past 30 years, making him a very established local architect. What separates Richard Luke from the competition is not just his level of experience, but also the unique touch that he applies to each and every commission. Richard Luke has personally designed more than 400 homes in Southern Nevada, ranging in values that go all the way up the 50-million-dollar mark. After earning a degree from the University of Technology in Sydney, Australia, Richard Luke moved to America in 1983. Soon after in 1984, he moved to Las Vegas, passed the Nevada State Board of Architecture exam one year later, and opened his own firm designing custom homes and the early Christopher Home tracts, which won many awards over the years. While Richard Luke has continued to design homes in the area for the last three decades, he has also transitioned into commercial architecture. A huge benefit that Richard Luke offers to his clients is that he is not bound by any particular architectural style. This versatility enables him to
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adapt to each and every person’s wishes and creatively develop a unique and inspirational design that satisfies desires and produces wonderful architecture. Richard’s philosophy in both architecture and business is that the client and their needs must come first, and must be met in a manner that is aesthetically beautiful, but at the same time, extremely functional and cost-effective. One way to ensure that this happens is by utilizing the latest technology and software innovations within the architectural industry. Luke does so by using ArchiCAD 3-D software to help bring each design to life so clients can “walk through” and visualize their dream home, including the finishes and views through every window, before any construction commences. This invites the client to get excited, motivated, and involved in their project. From waterfalls and swimming pools, to staircases and ceiling treatments, Richard Luke knows that the details within every single project can define an entire look. For Luke, it all starts with a blank sheet of paper and then erupts into a magnificent design that eventually becomes a masterpiece. Richard Luke Architects sees no end in sight, as bigger projects continue to define the future. Richard has designed beautiful homes in every upscale neighborhood in town, and is knowledgeable and versatile in all design styles and construction methods. For more information, you can call 702-838-8468 or visit richardlukearchitects.com.
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kitchen&bath
Endless Possibilities
F
for Your Bathroom
rom the shower walls and floors to vanity tops, a bathroom has many surfaces that are very vulnerable and high-maintenance. However, you definitely don’t want to sacrifice beauty for functionality— especially when it’s possible to have both. Tyvarian® is an innovative and unique bathroom surface that is manufactured with a new patent pending technology that incorporates high-definition images into cultured marble. This stylish new product combines durability and easy maintenance with incredible color and design capabilities, offering over 60 beautiful and luxurious colors. The look of granite, limestone, marble, travertine, and contemporary designs you never imagined you could have in your house are all now within reach. Shower walls, vanity tops, trims, and more have never looked so good or performed so well. In business for 40 years, Re-Bath of Las Vegas can bring Tyvarian surfaces into your bathroom. Re-Bath can also provide tub to shower conversions and walk-in bathtubs along with complete bathroom remodeling—including vanities, cabinets, custom shower doors, toilets, flooring, and much more. For more information or a free consultation, you can call them at 702-509-6891. www.rebath.com. NV Lic. #57470-57471-0069348
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LAS VEGAS LIVING • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 • LAS VEGAS LIVING
35
!"#$%&&'()*$+,-&.&/012,32145"-/61*&/$2,$5 !"#$$%&'"#&()*#$$%&+,-,". From the sun shining down on a picturesque landscape to a star-studded nighttime sky, having the opportunity to bring Mother Nature and all of her beauty into your living space is a truly enjoyable thing. However, most people prefer to experience the benefits of nature without having to worry about any unpredictable weather, pesky bugs, and the other burdens that can come with outdoor exposure. It’s time to enter a realm of comfort and relaxation that you’ve never imagined before. Feel all of your senses come alive in a total mindbody experience while you lounge in a serene space where you are in total control of your environment. Welcome to LifeRoom®—your new outdoor escape. LifeRoom lets you enjoy your backyard again for any activity that you choose, from exercising, dining, entertaining, or even relaxing, alone or with family and friends. Within LifeRoom, you can appreciate everything you love about being outdoors, with all of the comforts of being indoors. LifeRoom’s unique Smooth Glide motorized screens can be raised for a seemingly endless view, or lowered for seclusion or protection. With the screens up, LifeRoom is a wide-open sanctuary. If you are looking for a little bit of privacy, all you have to do is lower the side screens. When the bugs come out, lower all of the screens and enjoy your view without the threat of pests or unwanted weather conditions. Not only can all of the screens be controlled with the simple touch of a button, but LifeRoom also boasts a sophisticated LED lighting system that can turn your backyard into a private party with both ambiance and it’s own V.I.P. room. LifeRoom’s screens have been
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LAS VEGAS LIVING • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
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exteriorslandscaping uniquely designed to also serve as amazing projection screens for any home theater. Round up the kids and your neighbors because LifeRoom provides you with screens that challenge the local movie theater. Imagine watching theater-quality movies, television shows, and sporting events right in your very own yard! Living in Nevada, enjoying the sun without the heat can be a real struggle. LifeRoom lets you take “cool” to a whole new level with its innovative, unique, Cool Mist climate system and Soft Breeze technology. Now, you can enjoy your LifeRoom even on the hottest days. With this innovative technology, a cool mist sprays in the air around you that is so incredibly fine, it actually disappears as it cools you off. In fact, you can experience a temperature reduction of up to 40degrees. Plus, LifeRoom’s protective screens also can block up to an amazing 95% of the sun’s harmful UV rays. This means that you and your loved ones can enjoy a healthy, safe way to relax and play outdoors. Not to mention, this cool environment is ideal for getting some peaceful exercising in without the blazing heat from the sun. You can comfortably do yoga while gazing at the blue sky. Other unparalleled features of LifeRoom include glazed skylights that let the light in but keep the harmful UV rays out. A pollen/allergy protection system that includes screens designed to filter out pollen, dust, and other airborne allergens for the extra sensitive people in your life. A quick release screen that easily lets you exit the room in the event of a power outage. Radiant
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heaters that are 90% efficient, so they can warm things up during the day and easily take the chill out of the night air. And finally, a concealed gutter system that easily handles rain run-off so there’s never any annoying dripping, splashing, or streams of water to disrupt your tranquility. The only thing better than having a LifeRoom is having a LifeRoom with all of the options. Your LifeRoom can be custom designed by professionals to be as unique as you are. Weather-resistant aluminum comes in two finishes—cedar or deep driftwood. Your dull, ordinary backyard can be transformed in to a haven that directly reflects your personal taste. This is not only an incredible way to extend your living space and increase the value of your home, but also to upgrade both you and your family’s quality of life. For more information about the LifeRoom, Dura-Kool is an authorized LifeRoom® product dealer. Dura-Kool is a home improvement company based in Las Vegas. They also specialize in patio covers, carports, sunrooms, and pool enclosures. If you are interested in the LifeRoom, or any other innovative products, you can contact Dura-Kool at 702-997-9565 or at www.DuraKool.com. NV Lic. #32067-8. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 • LAS VEGAS LIVING
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What You Should Know Before Hiring a Pool and Landscape Contractor
W
ise homeowners already know that the best time to start a pool project or remodel is right now. During the winter and early spring months, you can get the ball rolling so that when summer finally arrives, your beautiful backyard is ready to enjoy! The first and most important aspect of a pool or landscape construction project is choosing a contractor that understands your needs and that you feel comfortable working with. A contractor should be able to do it all, from the pool building or remodeling of your current pool to creating a gorgeous landscape that complements your new pool paradise. Here are a few specific aspects to consider while doing your research. Budget consideration. It’s crucial to first determine exactly how much you can and are willing to spend. Make sure you have decided whether or not you’ll need financing. A contractor should respect your budget and plan/design your pool or landscape project accordingly. Don’t let anyone try to talk you into spending more if you have already set boundaries, but utilize the expert’s advice in determining if your budget is realistic for what you would like. Bidding. Always be sure to get three bids for you project. Bids should always be apple to apples—some contractors will throw in less expensive equipment in order to bring the price down. Make sure that the contractor is
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being completely transparent with everything they are including. The contractor should be happy to compare their bid to competitor bids and point out exactly where theirs differs. Most contractors do not give out their designs, but the bid is fair game for comparison. Contracts and warranties. Pool contracts and warranties may vary depending on the company, so you should read the warranty with the builder and ask what is warranted and what is not warranted. Maintenance. It’s extremely rare to find professionals that can also provide the pool and landscape maintenance after everything has been designed and installed. A fabulous asset, you don’t ever have to worry about your new environment looking aged or run-down. For more information, Courtney Landscape & Pools can help. In business for 19 years, they can provide you with all of your outdoor needs—including landscape construction, pool construction, pool remodel, landscape maintenance, pool maintenance and even holiday and event lighting. Crystal Tech pool plaster was developed exclusively for Courtney Landscape & Pools, and is made in the U.S.A. You can call them at 702-435-5799 or visit www.colapool.com. Lic. #55372 C-10 (bid limit $80,000). Lic. #67883 A-10E (bid limit $80,000), Lic # 79297 C-18 (bid limit $25,000.00), Lic # 79298 C-5 (bid limit $45,000.00). ONLINE AT LVLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
exteriorslandscaping
Your Garage Is Another Room In Your Home—
IT’S TIME TO TREAT IT THAT WAY!
garage is a place that often goes overlooked as a livable, organized space. This area of the home tends to be a catchall room where people store the leftover items that can’t seem to find a place anywhere else, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. After all, there’s plenty of room in a garage for storage. However the real question is—how functional is your garage situation? Chronic garage clutter, disorganized messes, stained floors, and an overall dirty environment are some common complaints that homeowners tend to have when describing their garage. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could completely reclaim your space, and actually transform that once-lost room into a clean, efficient, and beautiful environment that can finally be utilized to its full potential? Whether you have an inefficient storage system already in place, or need to start from scratch, Monkey Bars® garage shelving offers a clean and attractive way to hold anything and everything that you might find within your garage. Monkey Bar shelves are patented and manufactured to sustain more weight than just about any other standard garage rack available. Extremely versatile in style, Monkey Bars shelving can be custom designed and manufactured to meet you and your garage’s unique needs. Along with shelving products, Monkey Bars also manufactures and installs stylish cabinetry, overhead storage units, accessories, and even workbenches. Once you have finally cleaned up the clutter, you can then start to focus on the aesthetics of your garage floor so that you can finish the entire ambiance of your new room. A superior choice, Polyurea-coated flooring can immediately make your garage feel like a room in your home. A permanent and spectacular solution for any garage, each floor is diamond grinded to ensure adhesion to the concrete
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and to protect your floor against peeling or lifting. Chemical and scratch resistance properties ensure that cleaning and maintaining your new floor will be easier than ever. Additionally, Polyurea flooring is UV-stable, which means that the color of your floor won’t fade or turn yellow in the sunlight. There is an array of color options available to meet your style requirements. Know that your garage is in good hands with trained storage consultants and a company that has been in business for over a decade. Monkey Bar Storage was started in 2002 and has grown into an international company, recently opening a branch in Las Vegas. Monkey Bars can un-complicate your life and transform your garage. For additional information, you can call 702-749-4107 or visit www.garagesolutionslasvegas.com. License # 0079931 and 0079930. ONLINE AT LVLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
exteriorslandscaping
The Inside Scoop to Building a Swimming Pool
DURING THE OFF-SEASON outhern Nevada’s temperatures are warm when compared to the rest of the country. Although swimming may not be for everyone right now, a little known secret is that starting your pool project during this time of year is right for the savvy consumer. Building in the fall and winter months provides a multitude of benefits for a homeowner. The inside scoop to building in January and February is it allows your swimming pool to be under construction during the colder months, and ready to use for a full season of swimming in spring and summer. The early bird does get the worm, or in this case—the consumer gets the completed backyard oasis, with plenty of time to entertain and swim. Another industry secret is that construction crews are well rested after the winter holidays and the new year’s products are available for builders to install on your pool. The smart buyer looks for the marriage of the best quality products, top-notch construction, and the best possible value when shopping for a swimming pool builder. Ask questions of your licensed pool and spa contractor when you meet with them. Check their BBB rating, which is an impartial yardstick for evaluation. Also, ask for an extensive list of past customers to call as a reference, to verify the swimming pool contractor’s record of service and quality. Make your evaluation based on a wide range of criteria, which should include company experience. Make sure that you are getting the most comprehensive warranties for your purchase. Ask, how long your equipment and structure of your pool will be covered by warranty, and who will service your warranty.
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Designing your backyard begins with your vision. An expert designer must be able to consult with you, to create a custom design that suits your backyard and lifestyle, complements your home design, and reflects your personality. Creating an environment that accommodates your space and fulfills your desires is an investment that you should not take lightly. Premier Pools and Spas has been fulfilling backyard dreams since 1988, with more than 40,000 pools built. They are known for their award-winning designs, attention to construction detail, customer support, extensive list of referrals, and their A+ BBB rating. Since the PPAS-LV experience is tailored to their customers, big, small, or unique shaped yards are their specialties. They can also aid in providing extensive custom amenities, such as: patio areas, barbecues, fire features, waterfalls, rock features, slides, lighting, and landscape, while meeting or exceeding the latest construction standards. As a leader in design, PPAS-LV has been recognized three times with the International Award of Excellence from the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals. You can call them at (702) 737-POOL (7665) for a free design consultation, or visit them at www.PPAS.com. License #79647 (A-10). Contract limit $150,000.
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exteriorslandscaping High-Quality Custom Rolling Shutters—
YOUR HOME DESERVES ONLY THE BEST ecause your home and its valuable contents are worth protecting, keeping your family safe is probably one of your main priorities. However, you still want your home to look attractive and remain efficient. Rolladen Rolling Shutters are foam-filled aluminum slats customfitted for use over doors and windows to keep out wind, heat, cold, and dust. Designed to prevent forced entry, Rolladen Rolling Shutters are installed on the outside of your doors and windows and controlled from the inside. Studies have shown that houses with Rolladen shutters experience a nearly zero burglary rate. Ideal in our harsh southwest desert environment, Rolladen Rolling Shutters eliminate solar gain through your windows in the summer and stop radiant heat from escaping in the winter. When shutters are lowered, they can reduce inside temperatures by as much as 35-degrees. They can also reduce energy consumption up to 64% and will stop leaky windows and winter drafts. When Rolladen Rolling Shutters are lowered, there is total privacy from the outside. No one can tell if you are at home or away, and all inside lights are blocked from view. Additionally, they provide peace and quiet by reducing noise from outside sources by 85%, as compared to a glass window pane.
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Just like any product on the market, the technology of rolling shutters is constantly evolving. Rolladen Rolling Shutters make it a point to stay on top of the innovations in their field in order to stay both competitive and progressive. Recently, Rolladen attended the International Shutter Convention in Stuttgart, Germany in order to learn about the new styles, shutter composition, and other components that have been recently developed for the consumer. Rolladen cares about providing their clients with the highest quality products and the newest technology available on the market, and has held a lead position in manufacturing easy-to-operate, problem-free rolling shutters since 1984. With expertise in electronics and engineering, Rolladen’s factorytrained personnel understand the Las Vegas environment and the unique needs of local homeowners. For more information, you can call them at 702-505-4805, visit them at 6168 W. Charleston Blvd. in Las Vegas, or visit their website at www.rolladenlv.com. Lic #43543
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exteriorslandscaping
Bring Beauty to the Desert
WITH A FLAWLESS LANDSCAPE AND OUTDOOR RETREAT
H
aving your own peaceful retreat outside is in every way a sound investment. When you need to escape somewhere to relax and unwind, all you have to do is step outside. However, when it comes to the design and construction process of an outdoor living project, it can be intimidating and stressful for a homeowner. This holds especially true if you want to change or add a variety of different aspects in your yard, such as an outdoor kitchen, water or fire feature, pavers and more. Luckily, there is good news. You can complete your outdoor construction project in a process that is run efficiently and smoothly—the way it’s supposed to be! When you work with just one company that can handle everything, the hassle of dealing with multiple contractors and subcontractors is completely eliminated. From conception to completion, your one point of contact will communicate with all parties involved so that you won’t have to. Additionally, all necessary paperwork will be submitted to your homeowner’s association so that you don’t have to do the tedious job of completing applications and submitting designs and samples. Your project will remain hassle-free, as well as on time and budget from beginning to end. By viewing a custom 3-D design rendering, you will be able to see exactly what your proposed project will look like. A virtual tour of your
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completed project before ever breaking ground ensures that the end result is exactly what you envision. Living Water Lawn and Garden is the local one-stop solution for all of your outdoor living needs. They will make your outdoors an extension of your living space. They specialize in paver patios and decks, outdoor kitchens, fire and water features, retainer walls, veneer stone, landscape lighting and much more. Every detail of your outdoor space will be thought out and coordinated. They are also one of the few highly trained companies in Las Vegas that cleans, seals and restores pavers. To see more about their services, you can visit them online at www.LivingWaterLV.com, or call them at 702-655-5593 for a free consultation. Lic. #53905A C-10. Lic. #73553 C-18.
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exteriorslandscaping SUPERIOR ULTREX® FIBERGLASS
Makes Window Replacement a Breeze
I
nfinity® replacement windows from Marvin Windows and Doors set a new standard by offering homeowners an attractive, durable, and virtually maintenance-free window replacement option. Made entirely of a high performance pultruded fiberglass material called Ultrex®, Infinity windows are profiled to give the appearance of a finished wood window without using any actual wood in the design. So, what is Ultrex? Made with strong cables of glass that are saturated with specially compounded resins, Ultrex fiberglass is durable, non-corrosive, has low thermal conductivity, and is practically maintenance free. Eight-times stronger than vinyl, Infinity uses Ultrex fiberglass because it’s a superior choice. Ultrex never has to be sanded, scraped, painted, or finished in any way. Once your windows have been installed, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the view. Due to a patented coating process, Ultrex is resistant to spotting, streaking, cracking, rotting, warping, chalking, fading, and corrosion. Its strength allows Ultrex to withstand anything Mother Nature can throw at it. In the blistering heat or arctic cold, Ultrex never shows its age. Additionally, Infinity windows are designed with rugged durability and
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performance in mind. Since Ultrex is composed primarily of fiberglass, it expands and contracts at virtually the same minimal rate as glass, meaning the entire unit stays tightly adhered. This prevents both cracks and leakage around the glass, and allows Infinity windows to meet the industry ratings for air, water, and structural performance. For more information about Ultrex fiberglass, Infinity replacement windows, and much more, Master Craftsmen can help. Family-owned and operated, the professionals at Master Craftsmen, Inc. take pride from quality products and fantastic customer service. For a free estimate or any additional information, you can call them at 702-749-4149 or visit www.nevadawindowsanddoors.com. You can also visit their showroom at 5240 S. Decatur Blvd. #2 in Las Vegas. Lic. #58740 & 68202.
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exteriorslandscaping
Pebble Flex—
A Must-Have Surface for Your Pool Deck inding the perfect surface for pool decks, walkways, and playgrounds can be quite the battle. You want something extremely safe and efficient, but you also want these surfaces to be aesthetically pleasing so that they complement the gorgeous outdoor ambiance you’ve worked so hard to create. Pebble Flex is the perfect solution for your recreational needs. Crafted from thermoplastic rubber that packs together, the end result is a floor that is soft, durable, and long lasting. 100% UV protected, this product will not degrade in sunlight and requires no maintenance or sealing. Pebble Flex can be applied over existing bare, cracked, chipped, or damaged surfaces without any demolition, offering a quick solution to older, less-safe concrete applications. While Pebble Flex is ideal for just about any outdoor space, pool areas are quickly becoming popular installations. Not
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only will pool surfaces become cooler underneath your feet, but they will also be slip-resistant due to Pebble Flex’s porous nature. Pebble Flex is available in an endless array of colors and mixed options for all of your design needs. There are virtually endless mixing options available when it comes to creating your own unique color, not to mention, you will never have to worry about cracking and peeling or faded colors. If you are ready to discover Pebble Flex, then it’s time to contact Pebble Stone Coatings. Locally owned since 2006, their professionals recognize that customer service is the foundation of the company’s success, and they will strive to work with you as a friend, not just a client. For a free estimate or more information, you can call them at 702-505-4808 or visit www.pebblestonecoatings.com. NV Lic. #63611
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exteriorslandscaping Add Gorgeous Water Features to Your Yard Now, And Enjoy When the Weather Warms Up hen you imagine the perfect outdoor living space, what do you envision? What is in that perfect backyard? Perhaps there’s a swimming pool and spa, definitely a patio, maybe a fire pit, or even fancy barbeque and outdoor kitchen. When it comes to outdoor spaces, an industry trick is to start creating your project during the off-season. Cold weather months are the best time to get everything designed and built, so when the weather warms up and you want to head outside, your perfect paradise is ready to go! When creating your beautiful backyard, water shaping should be an element you don't forget. Water has a special significance in our lives. Apart from the fact that we need it to live, it also feeds our souls with its calming and soothing influence. Water can take many forms, from a structured contemporary fountain with stainless steel and glass tile to a simple reflecting pool that mirrors the beautiful yard you have created. One growing trend is water gardening. This usually consists of a waterfall and stream ending in a tranquil pond complete with koi and water lilies. A back-
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yard pond when done correctly will attract birds and dragonflies, making it a sanctuary for humans and critters alike. Imagine how relaxing it would be to sit on your very own bridge, dangling your feet in the water while feeding fish. Who can resist the call of a backyard pond? Finally, if you would love a waterfall but don't like the idea of a pond, a waterfall can be built as a pond-less version with the catch basin being constructed underground and covered with river rock. The water will simply disappear into the rock. To get going on the design and installation of your very own backyard water features during the winter months, Allure Pools and Spas can help. You can call them at 702436-5733, or visit their website at www.allurepools.net, where you can also see examples of traditional swimming pools that can be customized just for you. Lic. #0077145/0077147
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foryourinformation Making the World a Better Place—
Sharing One Story at a Time
t’s a brand new year, and with this time comes a fresh start filled with positive resolutions and personal goals. One great way to start out a new year is by helping other people. Connect2fy is a unique story telling website that features real life stories from real people with the belief that the world can be made a better place by sharing one story at a time. Because everyone has experienced struggles and successes in their lifetimes, now you have the opportunity to share these stories and make a difference in other people’s lives. There is power in sharing and a freedom in expressing yourself—not to mention the therapeutic benefits of discussing your life story. Here are some topics that readers are currently interested in hearing about: I am 66 years old and thinking about retirement, but don’t really know what to do. What are some ways to live a more fulfilling life? I have a teenager who is sending inappropriate text messages— what are some recommendations about how to handle this situation? I am a 52-year-old woman that just started going through menopause, and I am looking for some advice.
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Connect2fy has made it easy for you to share your story. You can write your story in a Word document or in the body of an email and send it to story@connect2fy.com. You can record your story on a smartphone or tablet and text or email the recording to 714-299-8027 or story@connect2fy.com. Or, you can call 714-446-6280 ext. 305 to schedule a 10-minute phone interview that will be recorded and then uploaded to the website. For more information, you can visit www.Connect2fy.com or you can call 714446-6280 ext. 305. Be sure to check back for more interesting topics throughout the year!
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